The best men’s fragrance

Buying a fragrance can be a tricky affair. For yourself you can easily be sent adrift in a sea of scents and glistening bottles – to the point that you can’t smell the wood from the, erm, trees – and for someone else, the pressure to get it right is high. And so, we’re here to help. We’ve scoured the olfactory shelves for the very best men’s cologne and perfume, so whether you’re gifting or self-gifting, sense you’re onto a winner with these. 

Maison Francis Kurkdjian L’Homme À La Rose Eau De Parfum

A dizzying dance of notes, Parisian perfumer Francis Kurkdjian – renowned for his cult, bold, sophisticated scents – wanted to explore the use of rose for men. And what a result. Combining Damask rose from Bulgaria and Centifolia rose from Grasse, this scent is floral and light, yet mossy and woody at the same time. It starts with fresh, green notes of grapefruit and essence of rose, becoming woodier and rosier and settling into an amber base. We’re hooked.

Byredo Tobacco Mandarin Extrait de Parfum

Sitting as part of the brand’s Night Veils collection – inspired by the just-sunset hours when certain flowers come into their own – this extrait de parfum is as beguiling as those sundown moments themselves. Citrusy and spicy top notes of mandarin, coriander and cumin meet leather and smoky tobacco, grounded by a woody base of ancient resins. It’s an intoxicating combination – as addictive as its name implies.

Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper Eau de Parfum

This scent takes you on a journey. Starting with sweet bergamot and lavandin top notes with crackling black and pink pepper notes at its heart, it settles down into a warm, light and woody base. The bottle is a delight in itself with the spherical resin cap – perfect for any bathroom Insta snap. Creator Jacques Chabert talks of bridging the gap between citrus and woody, and we can see that. Better still, the fragrance can be refilled in store for less than buying a whole new bottle, so it’s a treat that keeps on giving.

Le Labo Baie 19 Eau de Parfum

You know the smell when it rains after a long, drawn-out dry spell? The joy that comes from the dizzying droplets bouncing off the ground… the scent released by the oils plants have accumulated during the dry weather? This is exactly what cult perfumers Le Labo harnessed in this bottle. With notes of juniper berry, green leaves and patchouli, it’s fresh and unusual. Hand-blended, it’s a unisex fragrance that we want him to wear – and we’ll slyly steal for ourselves too.